A Theology of the Sacraments Interpreted by John and Charles Wesley

Eighteenth-century Methodists had a theological library small enough to be carried in one hand: a hymnal. It was a tie that bound them to sacraments, service, and Scripture through theological, political, and ecclesiastical change. Kimbrough and McIntyre equip this generation of 'Methodists' with a Wesleyan sacramental theology that's teachable, singable, and portable. Frame baptismal sermons around 'pardon, and holiness, and heaven' and feed hungry congregations with the Bread of Life found here. --Heather Murray Elkins, Professor emerita, Drew Theological School The church ecumenical owes Kimbrough and McIntyre a debt of gratitude for bringing these hymn texts into wider circulation. Charles Wesley's vivid and poetic language, drawing as it does upon the treasury of the Holy Scriptures, is a gift to Christians of every tradition. We can all deepen our relationship with Christ through the piety and sacramental doctrine we discover in this fine collection. --John Bauerschmidt, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee Charles Wesley gifted Methodists with the richest collection of hymns on the Lord's Supper and baptism of any Christian tradition. Sadly, only a smattering have found their way into present Methodist life and worship. That is what makes this resource so welcome. It gathers some of Wesley's best texts, paired with engaging new musical settings and undergirded with insightful commentaries. It gives new hope and offers an avenue through which Methodists can reclaim the full-bodied wisdom about these central means of grace that empowered the early movement! --Randy L. Maddox, William Kellon Quick Professor emeritus of Wesleyan and Methodist Studies, Duke Divinity School This volume brings together the memory of our Anglican-Methodist roots with new music, the latter being a sign that the Holy Spirit is still active and fulfilling its creative function in our lives. The wedding of passionate spirituality with fresh musical inspiration offers the possibility of authentic renewal. If you are looking for personal spiritual regeneration and communal worship renewal, reflect on the sacraments. Then sing these songs! --C. Michael Hawn, University Distinguished Professor emeritus of Church Music, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University What a rich array of new hymns Kimbrough and McIntyre have offered us in this volume! The texts are important to our United Methodist faith and heritage, and the new musical settings and tunes from some of today's most creative composers are inspired. The commentaries for each text offer theological and scriptural context to complement some theological prose writings of John and Charles Wesley. Your faith will be expanded and your soul will soar as you read and sing these pages. --Eileen Guenther, Professor of Church Music, Wesley Theological Seminary Baptism and Holy Communion are our most holy means of grace. Wesleyan Christians who want a deeper understanding of how God works through these sacraments will find help in the words of Charles and John Wesley. Kimbrough and McIntyre have brought to life new hymns and given us tunes and commentary that help modern disciples reconnect with a Wesleyan approach to the sacraments. --Scott J. Jones, Bishop, Great Plains Area, United Methodist Church The people who follow Jesus Christ under guidance by John Wesley are inexorably sacramental, though unhappily, Methodists sometime forget this fact of their identity. Kimbrough and McIntyre have done us the great service of setting before worshiping congregations Charles Wesley's hymns for baptism and Holy Communion. The hymns are accompanied by rich commentary and by musical settings and supplemented by John Wesley's A Treatise on Baptism and his sermon 'The Duty of Constant Communion.' The appearance of this book bodes well for the strengthening of the church's sacramental life and the vitalization of its worship. --M. Douglas Meeks, Cal Turner Chancellor Professor emeritus of Theology and Wesleyan Studies, Vanderbilt University Divinity School Sing it or study it? What's a worshiper to do with this book? The best answer is both. Open and find here the riches of Wesleyan sacramental theology for head and heart. Open and find here the treasures of God's grace made tangible in baptism and the Lord's Supper. Open and find here the abundances of Christ's love made musical. --Lester Ruth, Research Professor of Christian Worship, Duke Divinity School These twenty-two musical settings of Charles Wesley's sacramental-hymn texts are a most welcome gift to Christian worship and theology. Featuring hymns for Holy Communion (sixteen) and Baptism (six) and a refreshing set of hymn styles by fine composers and arrangers, this collection is a treasure. Wesley's theological depth is embraced by singable melodies and vital harmonizations. The inclusion of excerpts from John Wesley's Treatise on Baptism and his sermon 'The Duty of Constant Communion' makes this a valuable theological resource as well. I look forward to using this collection in local congregations with enthusiasm and bright hopes for deepening sacramental life and understanding. --Don E. Saliers, William R. Cannon Distinguished Professor emeritus of Theology and Liturgy, Emory University